SAN DIEGO - Petty Officer 2nd Class Taylor Lam Ta, a native of Oxnard, California, serves aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship operating out of San Diego, California.
Ta graduated from Pacifica High School in 2011. Additionally, Ta is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health and science from Excelsior University.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Oxnard.
“I learned growing up to not be afraid to fail because that is what leads to success,” Ta said. “I also learned to adapt to anything life throws at me. In the Navy, you are not always going to have the answer to everything, but not being afraid to fail helps you grow and become a better leader.”
Ta joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Ta serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to explore,” Ta said. “I also had just finished community college and I didn’t know what I wanted to do. So, I joined the Navy to create a better path and future for myself.”
Amphibious assault ships, such as Essex, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group.
Resembling a small aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships offer the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement, provide humanitarian assistance and support major combat operations. More than 1,000 serve aboard Essex with an additional 1,200 Marines capable of being embarked.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Ta has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is making the rank of petty officer second class,” Ta said. “I am also proud to be back in school and working on finishing my bachelor’s degree.”
Ta serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride because I am able to stick with what I started,” Ta said. “Serving in the Navy has opened my eyes to different things and changed my view on life.”
Ta is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Sharmaine, for being supportive and for being a solid rock for me during deployment,” Ta added. “Anytime I’ve been underway, she has been the greatest support system. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. I also want to thank my family and my wife’s family because they are the reason I am able to keep doing what I do every day.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joey Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Ta graduated from Pacifica High School in 2011. Additionally, Ta is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health and science from Excelsior University.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Oxnard.
“I learned growing up to not be afraid to fail because that is what leads to success,” Ta said. “I also learned to adapt to anything life throws at me. In the Navy, you are not always going to have the answer to everything, but not being afraid to fail helps you grow and become a better leader.”
Ta joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Ta serves as an aviation ordnanceman.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to explore,” Ta said. “I also had just finished community college and I didn’t know what I wanted to do. So, I joined the Navy to create a better path and future for myself.”
Amphibious assault ships, such as Essex, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group.
Resembling a small aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships offer the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement, provide humanitarian assistance and support major combat operations. More than 1,000 serve aboard Essex with an additional 1,200 Marines capable of being embarked.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Ta has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is making the rank of petty officer second class,” Ta said. “I am also proud to be back in school and working on finishing my bachelor’s degree.”
Ta serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride because I am able to stick with what I started,” Ta said. “Serving in the Navy has opened my eyes to different things and changed my view on life.”
Ta is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Sharmaine, for being supportive and for being a solid rock for me during deployment,” Ta added. “Anytime I’ve been underway, she has been the greatest support system. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. I also want to thank my family and my wife’s family because they are the reason I am able to keep doing what I do every day.”